I'm super pumped that this time next week I'll be back in Atlanta and will have been to Columbia, SC for the first time since late July! Also I'll get to be home for my mom's birthday!
Last weekend, Andrew and I went to Fargo-Moorehead for Concordia College Flute Day. It was a really great masterclass with Emily Butterfield who is the flute professor at Central Oklahoma which is not too far from where we will be next year. I really enjoyed her teaching style, also she knew Jennifer, my flute teacher from USC. It was great to make contact with her and next year I'll try to get a few lessons with her and I want to be involved in the Oklahoma Flute Society since we'll be pretty close.
After the masterclass we went to J.L. Beers for lunch which is one of those Fargo places people say you should go. It was delish! It's a tiny place with table seating for like 12 and then bar seating. They specialize in beers and burgers. They even had root beer on tap! I dislike root beer but Andrew had some and really enjoyed it. The burgers were excellent. Highly recommend.
Next, we went to the Fargo theater to see the Grand Budapest Hotel which was excellent! We both really enjoyed it. We love the Fargo theater. They usually have something we'd like to see on their main screen and it's just fun to go to the art house movie places. We really miss the Nick in Columbia.
For dinner we tried the Vinyl Taco (conveniently right next to J.L. Beers) and it was excellent! I'm a sangria fan and they always have it so that was enjoyable. The concept of the Vinyl Taco is they play vinyl records behind the bar and have upscale tacos. The tacos were awesome! Also so was the queso. Liquid cheese is kind of my jam.
So while we were in Fargo we noticed that the wind was really picking up. Like we had some trouble walking into the Caribou for our trip home caffeine because the wind was so high up. It was like 45 miles per hour. Ridiculous.
Well, the wind was bringing in our Monday blizzard. We've had blizzards since we've been here but not with the snow. Technically when the wind reaches a certain speed it counts as a blizzard. Anyways, it was kind of frustrating for a few reasons: it was March 31 (so seriously?), the snow had all melted previously and I was becoming familiar with the ground again, and it messed up all of the schedules for the rest of the week. It was supposed to start snowing on Sunday night but it didn't really come until Monday morning and it's a good thing Andrew just didn't go in because by 10:30 the visibility was way down. By noon we had a hard time seeing the house across the street. It's just strange when the snow is blowing up and falling all at the same time.
Tuesday we both had a delay so they could work on clearing the snow and I'm glad La Fawnduh still has her snow tires! Then Thursday it snowed all day. April 3rd. Snow all day. I was depressed, but not really because I had my second program on April 3!
My Kindergarten, First, and Second grade program was originally supposed to be on April 1st but about two weeks ago we learned the circus was going to be in town on that day so we moved it. I'm glad too, more time to work with them and with the blizzard the day before some of the kids who live out of town may not have made it!
The kids were super cute and did a great job! It ended up being longer than I thought... We did Alphabop, a John Jacobson creation, and there is a song for each letter of the Alphabet plus and opening song so there were 27 songs. Each was short, but still. The kids were troopers. Each grade didn't sing them all together but they did good with like sitting still and such. I only had a few kindergarteners leave to go to the bathroom and at the end one little boy just sat down on the floor and took his socks and shoes off. I mean, when you're over it, you're over it. It happens. I'm super proud of them and thankful their teachers (and student teachers) are extremely helpful because I couldn't corral those kids on my own! Also, the kindergarten teacher decorated the cart my computer sat on during the program and gave me some beautiful flowers! It was just so thoughtful. I'm quite lucky to have been able to start here at Washington School.
This week the kindergarten classes I teach at Roosevelt will be performing in Hats! on Monday evening with the first graders. They will be super presh and I can't get the songs out of my head, so catchy! Then Tuesday the classes I help with at Lincoln have their program, Baby Beluga, it's all Raffy songs and also adorable. I can't stop hearing Baby Beluga either. I just kind of sing it constantly. The whales are after me.
So right now Andrew and I are busy, busy, busy but soon we can relax a little and enjoy our last few months in Jamestown!
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Southern Girl Gets... An Armadillo?
So here's the deal... I'm pretty excited to finally share with the internet that Andrew and I will be moving to Texas this June!
His job is an assistant professor of music at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas! Wichita Falls is north of the Dallas/ Fort Worth Area. It will be so much easier for us to get back and forth to Atlanta and Gainesboro so we're pumped. Also... THEY HAVE A TARGET THERE!!!! Target is my favorite thing ever. So, win.
We have definitely enjoyed getting to know our colleagues, and students, and friends up here. It is bittersweet for sure.
Here's our timeline:
Andrew is done at VCSU May 17 (commencement) and I am done teaching May 22. We're thinking about going down to look for a house that weekend. I'm excited because, well this is the second time I'm moving somewhere trusting Andrew haha so.... I'm pumped to SEE it! Plus, I've never been to Texas before, but I know it's warm there! (And TARGET)
Looking online now there seem to be plenty of affordable rental properties. We're going to definitely rent for a few years then look into buying (once we know my job situation is stable and such). The market is pretty good down there, which is excellent!
The current plan is to try to move there the last week of June so we have some time to get settled before we start work, you know get acclimated to the town and do some traveling. Hopefully Lindsay Millirons will visit her dad and Amanda Perme won't have left Austin yet!
Other things I'm pumped for: there are a lot of flute activities there! I could actually go to grad school for flute or music ed and there are so many amazing schools for that down there and it'll be instate and it's awesome. Also, there are a lot of school districts so I'm totally in a better position to get a job. Not just any job, hopefully a band job.
WE'RE GONNA GET A DOG!!! If you've been following my facebook closely, which of course all of you have (hahahaha), you'll have noticed that a few weeks ago I caved and started 'liking' all of the Animal Rescue's in North Texas and even Houston. There's a North Texas Corgi Rescue!!! I really want a corgi (duh, that's an understatement) but then Andrew and I have been looking at you know mutts, good solid dogs. We definitely want to rescue one at first, give it a good home. I do need a corgi one day though. I moved to North Dakota. I will get a corgi. Also, one of my favorite corgi's named Pudge that I follow on instagram and his mom runs the corgi addict blog that I check daily, well Pudge lives in Houston so we could meet him one day. I love him. He's a fluffy.
Here was baby Pudge:
No lies, this is the background on my Mac. Yes it should be wedding pics... I know..
This is Pudge now:
In case you didn't know, some corgi's are fluffy. Like Pudge. My dream dog. Love him. Please don't think I'm crazy, I work part-time in North Dakota, our house is still in boxes (sort of win?), this is my thing, I follow dogs on the internet. But, hey, I am married so someone chose me.
I just reread that section, maybe I shouldn't meet Pudge. I might explode.
There's that thing: My job situation.
Here's the deal with that. I'm applying to like every district within an hour of Wichita Falls (fortunately there are a lot!). Currently there are no jobs posted but they all encourage you to fill out an online application because stuff opens and closes quickly so that's where I'm at... You all know applying for jobs is my fave, but it will be worth it when it's over! Send me good vibes, prayers, positive energy, whatever your thing is, please!
We're pumped. Can't wait to share this experience with y'all.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
It's Finally March!
Finally. We have reached March. In the past, March has not necessarily been my favorite month and I'm not saying it's my favorite now but I'm glad it's here!
The past two weeks Andrew and I went to Fargo. Last week we had the privilege of judging a middle school band festival in Casselton (right outside of Fargo). It was fun to get to hear mostly 5th and 6th grade flutes all day! A lot of the young ladies I heard had a nice core to their sound, I was very impressed! However, I did hear about 80 flutes and that will tire you out. Afterwards we went to the Jade Dragon which served both Vietnamese food and Chinese food and both were delicious! We enjoyed some Pho and Sesame Chicken. Of course, no trip to Fargo is complete without a stop by Target and Caribou. Gotta get my 'bou! That's like the one thing that North Dakota has that Georgia lacks. That's right. We've got the 'bou.
Anyways, then this week we headed back for an SAI alumnae chapter meeting. I really enjoyed it! They affiliated me as a member into their chapter. It was so nice, I had been thinking of my collegiate sisters a lot lately as they approach their 15 year celebration! I so wish, I could be there to celebrate with them. I loved my years in SAI in college and I am quite thankful that I can continue my membership.
After the meeting we jetted over to the Fargo theater to see Inside Llewen Davis. Whenever we have some time in Fargo we try to see if anything decent is at the Fargo theater. If you wonder why you can scan back through the blog to see my issues with the Bison 6 cinema. Which we do still go to from time to time. I did like the movie. However, it was a bit of a downer and I'm not a huge fan of folk music. I did appreciate how well done the film was and the story was engaging.
For dinner we went to a delish pizza place called Rhombus Guys. They're sort of like Mellow Mushroom. Yum. By the way, yesterday it was COLD. Like straight up cold. Coldest March 1st on record. Ever. Ridiculous. So we're in the pizza place, enjoying our pizza in our appropriate clothing and in comes this girl in a mini dress. What? You mean she took off her parka and underneath was a mini dress? No. She was just wearing a mini dress. No leggings, not even tights. Just like a mini dress, and wedges (I guess stilettos would have been dangerous on the ice) and a light jacket. Not a pea coat even. A jacket. It was -14 and felt like -30. It was awful. I hope she got what she was looking for instead of frostbite. Whatever. Our pizza was good. I enjoyed my parka. Then, of course, we went to the 'bou. Here's some pics of Fargo.
The past two weeks Andrew and I went to Fargo. Last week we had the privilege of judging a middle school band festival in Casselton (right outside of Fargo). It was fun to get to hear mostly 5th and 6th grade flutes all day! A lot of the young ladies I heard had a nice core to their sound, I was very impressed! However, I did hear about 80 flutes and that will tire you out. Afterwards we went to the Jade Dragon which served both Vietnamese food and Chinese food and both were delicious! We enjoyed some Pho and Sesame Chicken. Of course, no trip to Fargo is complete without a stop by Target and Caribou. Gotta get my 'bou! That's like the one thing that North Dakota has that Georgia lacks. That's right. We've got the 'bou.
Anyways, then this week we headed back for an SAI alumnae chapter meeting. I really enjoyed it! They affiliated me as a member into their chapter. It was so nice, I had been thinking of my collegiate sisters a lot lately as they approach their 15 year celebration! I so wish, I could be there to celebrate with them. I loved my years in SAI in college and I am quite thankful that I can continue my membership.
After the meeting we jetted over to the Fargo theater to see Inside Llewen Davis. Whenever we have some time in Fargo we try to see if anything decent is at the Fargo theater. If you wonder why you can scan back through the blog to see my issues with the Bison 6 cinema. Which we do still go to from time to time. I did like the movie. However, it was a bit of a downer and I'm not a huge fan of folk music. I did appreciate how well done the film was and the story was engaging.
For dinner we went to a delish pizza place called Rhombus Guys. They're sort of like Mellow Mushroom. Yum. By the way, yesterday it was COLD. Like straight up cold. Coldest March 1st on record. Ever. Ridiculous. So we're in the pizza place, enjoying our pizza in our appropriate clothing and in comes this girl in a mini dress. What? You mean she took off her parka and underneath was a mini dress? No. She was just wearing a mini dress. No leggings, not even tights. Just like a mini dress, and wedges (I guess stilettos would have been dangerous on the ice) and a light jacket. Not a pea coat even. A jacket. It was -14 and felt like -30. It was awful. I hope she got what she was looking for instead of frostbite. Whatever. Our pizza was good. I enjoyed my parka. Then, of course, we went to the 'bou. Here's some pics of Fargo.
This was before the movie. Notice my hood is off. Poor choices. I thought we were closer than we were. Also, those are not my warmest boots.
Here is the front of the Fargo theater. One of the more recognizable landmarks in downtown Fargo. Also, it's right around the corner from the HoDo (Hotel Donaldson).
Here I am after the movie, my hood is up and I'm by the buffalo in the snow. Buffalo belong in the snow. I do not. Ret to go.
Happy March, everyone! Stay warm!
Sunday, February 16, 2014
The Long Winter, But We'll Make It!
This has been a long winter. Truth. No doubt about it. However, the weather channel app tells me that it will be 40 degrees tomorrow! I am overjoyed! This means I will wear my cropped workout pants to the gym tomorrow and not worry about frostbite! Also I can probs run to my car without totally cooling down without risking my hair freezing! Yay! However, out of convenience I will most likely still wear my parka because it's comfortable and I know exactly where it is and I don't loose it because it's huge. However, I don't usually loose things, I'm pretty good about that.
We had a nice valentine's day here! Andrew took me to the Buffalo City Grille and we enjoyed a lovely meal and I had made a chocolate cheesecake with chocolate ganache for dessert! Yum! We are totally going to be eating that cheesecake for the week (or more). It was huge and rich (and I never say things are rich, my tolerance for that stuff is HIGH)! I'm proud it was fancy.
This afternoon, since neither of us have work tomorrow, we went to the Bison 6 cinema to see Monuments Men. We both really enjoyed it! Although they are cash only and that freaks me out, it is good to know that two adults can go to a matinee and get a large popcorn for $17. I foresee more Sunday movies in our future. We brought in our own cokes and Twizzlers. The Twizzlers were just for Andrew because as a child we went to Stone Mountain one day with some people (I don't remember who?? People from church?) and on the way back some little boy (maybe?) had eaten too many Twizzlers and got car sick like as soon as we pulled up to our carport. I know, such a vague memory however I remember it and I can not really eat Twizzlers anymore which kind of sucks because they are actually more low in fat than some other candies I enjoy.
Oh, I wanted to share this super easy recipe that we make, actually had it for dinner tonight!
Ok so it's crock pot chicken tacos...
Basically what you do is you put a can of black bean and a can of rotel in your crock pot then put two chicken breasts on top and season them with garlic powder, salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Put your crock pot on high for two hours then in two hours shred your chicken, add your chicken back in the pot, mix it all up... this is usually when I will heat the taco shells (hard shells) and then three tacos is a serving! Usually I eat three and Andrew eats four, then we pop it in the fridge and eat the other half on top of a salad a few days later (it's really good cold and after it's sat in the fridge for a day or two)... Yum! Please don't judge my teaching abilities based on how I just explained this recipe. I'm sleepy and suffering from winter madness.
I hope all of you reading this had a lovely weekend and if you don't have work tomorrow enjoy yourselves! Also make some crock pot tacos! Yum!
We had a nice valentine's day here! Andrew took me to the Buffalo City Grille and we enjoyed a lovely meal and I had made a chocolate cheesecake with chocolate ganache for dessert! Yum! We are totally going to be eating that cheesecake for the week (or more). It was huge and rich (and I never say things are rich, my tolerance for that stuff is HIGH)! I'm proud it was fancy.
This afternoon, since neither of us have work tomorrow, we went to the Bison 6 cinema to see Monuments Men. We both really enjoyed it! Although they are cash only and that freaks me out, it is good to know that two adults can go to a matinee and get a large popcorn for $17. I foresee more Sunday movies in our future. We brought in our own cokes and Twizzlers. The Twizzlers were just for Andrew because as a child we went to Stone Mountain one day with some people (I don't remember who?? People from church?) and on the way back some little boy (maybe?) had eaten too many Twizzlers and got car sick like as soon as we pulled up to our carport. I know, such a vague memory however I remember it and I can not really eat Twizzlers anymore which kind of sucks because they are actually more low in fat than some other candies I enjoy.
Oh, I wanted to share this super easy recipe that we make, actually had it for dinner tonight!
Ok so it's crock pot chicken tacos...
Basically what you do is you put a can of black bean and a can of rotel in your crock pot then put two chicken breasts on top and season them with garlic powder, salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Put your crock pot on high for two hours then in two hours shred your chicken, add your chicken back in the pot, mix it all up... this is usually when I will heat the taco shells (hard shells) and then three tacos is a serving! Usually I eat three and Andrew eats four, then we pop it in the fridge and eat the other half on top of a salad a few days later (it's really good cold and after it's sat in the fridge for a day or two)... Yum! Please don't judge my teaching abilities based on how I just explained this recipe. I'm sleepy and suffering from winter madness.
I hope all of you reading this had a lovely weekend and if you don't have work tomorrow enjoy yourselves! Also make some crock pot tacos! Yum!
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Elise Allen's Top Five Episodes of 30 Rock
Starting off, I've wanted to make this list for a long time. I do believe 30 Rock is my favorite tv show. It definitely fulfills a lot of what I want in a TV show. WARNING: THERE WILL BE SPOILERS! However, it will still be hilarious to watch it on your own... I promise.
Anyways, this better make you want to hop on Netflix and check all of these out. Life changing.
5.) Floyd, Season 4, ep. 16
Elise Synopsis: Liz's ex boyfriend Floyd returns to NYC to try to win a wedding on the Today show with his fiance who is like an ab model or a pilates instructor, one of those professions that makes normal women gag. Liz is all upset, as she is still unlucky with love, and Floyd (her one who got away) is potentially going to get married right outside of her office. Liz takes Floyd to dinner where he accidentally gets drunk (he was an alcoholic) and goes crazy. She loses him in NYC. The side story with this one: Frank, Twofer, and Lutz are in a pranking battle with Jack and Danny. Also, Jenna and Tracy had plaster molds taken of their faces and Kenneth talked to them the whole 8 hours it happened so he worked his way into their dreams in a disturbing way.
Reasons for Excellence: Liz is a slightly vengeful ex girlfriend. Floyd was my fav of all of Liz's boyfriends. Jason Sudeikis is hilarious. Liz does try to make everything right but it still falls apart. Similar to real life. The scene where they're in the restaurant (that seems like a TGI Friday's) and Liz and Floyd finally come to terms with their relationship is funny but relatable.
4.) Episode 210, Season 2, ep. 10
Elise Synopsis: Liz studied German in college so Jack, caught up in a romantic relationship with (gasp!) a democratic representative, goes to Vermont with Cici and puts Liz in charge of deciding which German TV shows to buy. Liz, trying to buy an apartment, delegates this task to Kenneth, who just learned he loves cappuccinos and is strung out on caffeine. Liz accidentally sells NBC to the Germans instead of buying the German TV station. Oops! Also, Gladys Knight makes an appearance.
Favorite moments: Liz is looking at a fancy apartment online and their line is "Wyndmere, if you lived here, you'd be home now!" Haha, thought of that this summer when I toured Lindencourt apartments, it seemed magical like Wyndmere. However, I love my current residence more than Lindencourt and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg! Liz makes a total fool of herself in front of the co-op board. Also, where Liz is drinking wine and calling the co-op board all night and they show her progressions of sad drunkenness. "You know what? I've moved on, I've bought a whole bunch of apartments. I even bought a black apartment."- Liz Lemon while drinking wine and jogging on the treadmill at 7 am. I feel you girl. Then at the end of the episode Jack asks Liz if she want to get drunk and she looks around his office and replies, "I would, but there's too many phones in here." Well played Liz Lemon. Well played.
3.) Queen of Jordan, Season 5, ep. 17
Elise's Synopsis: Through a crazy series of events, Tracy's wife, Angie gets a show and basically the whole episode is shot in reality TV style (specifically Real Housewives) and follows Angie and her crazy friends, including but not limited to D'Fwan (her sassy gay friend), Randi who has as strip aerobics studio, and Portia who's catch phrase is "Portia reads the papers!" and she's not thrilled with it. During this time Tracy is in Africa and Liz is begging Angie to help bring him back to save the show. Hilarity ensues.
Reasons it is wonderful: It's making fun of reality tv. It's excellent. Jenna tries to take up more screen time and throws drinks in everyone's face. D'Fwan has a wine called D'Fwine. Come on. What is not to love? Although I want to say D'Fwine came later? It did. I just checked. Oops. I'm claiming it as part of this. Please D'fwink responsibly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2MuXDjFTy4
2.) Black Tie, Season 1, ep. 12
Elise's Synopsis: Jack invites Liz to a birthday party for Gerhardt Hapsburg, the prince of Austria. The whole episode you're like is this a date? Is Jack into Liz? Jenna also sneaks into the party to try to "Grace Kelly" herself. While at the party Liz meets Jack's ex wife Bianca (played by Isabella Rossellini) and Jack uses Liz to make Bianca jealous. Side story, Tracy tries to get Pete to cheat on his wife. Kenneth tries to remind Pete that he is married. They have this like devil vs. angel on your shoulder thing going on.
Why this episode is special: Tina Fey looks hot at this party and fights Isabella Rossellini. This episode also defines the Liz-Jack relationship. I'd also say this is the episode where the characters really click. Also in her book, Bossypants, Tina cites this as the episode that was make or break for the show and thankfully they made it! Yay!
1.) Sandwich Day, Season 2, ep. 14
Elise's Synopsis: Liz Lemon gets a call from ex boyfriend Floyd (Jason Sudeikis) that he will be coming to NYC and was wondering if he could "crash" with Liz. Floyd was Liz's boyfriend earlier in the season (and he was one of my all time favorite Liz boyfriends) but he left his job as a lawyer in 30 rock to move home to Cleveland. Then they broke up. So sad. So Liz accepts and then has a mini freak out about the meaning of 'crash'. Ok so then the side story is about sandwich day which is a magical day where the Teamsters bring subs for everyone from this amazing sandwich shop which is a teamster's secret. Liz is too busy preparing for Floyd and her sub gets left on her desk and the writers (after demolishing) their own sandwiches take Liz's sandwich. Oops. So this is the story of Liz trying to make Floyd miss leaving NYC and Jenna, Tracy, Kenneth, and the writers trying to win Liz a new sandwich.
Favorite moments: Well, I love that Floyd is in this episode. When Floyd meets Liz to pick up keys to her apartment and they make plans to get dinner. When Liz runs to the airport to track down Floyd and has to choose between her sandwich (the dipping sauce is more than 3 oz) and tracking down Floyd so she inhales the sandwich (with dipping sauce) while the TSA agent (a sassy black lady) tells Liz "You've got crazy eyes. I ought to detain you..." Also this episode has a good message when Jack reminds Liz "Life is about minimizing regrets" Agreed Jack. I agree.
Ok so that's my top five, however I do have a few other memorable moments that didn't make the top five episodes those are (in no particular order):
Anyways, this better make you want to hop on Netflix and check all of these out. Life changing.
5.) Floyd, Season 4, ep. 16
Elise Synopsis: Liz's ex boyfriend Floyd returns to NYC to try to win a wedding on the Today show with his fiance who is like an ab model or a pilates instructor, one of those professions that makes normal women gag. Liz is all upset, as she is still unlucky with love, and Floyd (her one who got away) is potentially going to get married right outside of her office. Liz takes Floyd to dinner where he accidentally gets drunk (he was an alcoholic) and goes crazy. She loses him in NYC. The side story with this one: Frank, Twofer, and Lutz are in a pranking battle with Jack and Danny. Also, Jenna and Tracy had plaster molds taken of their faces and Kenneth talked to them the whole 8 hours it happened so he worked his way into their dreams in a disturbing way.
Reasons for Excellence: Liz is a slightly vengeful ex girlfriend. Floyd was my fav of all of Liz's boyfriends. Jason Sudeikis is hilarious. Liz does try to make everything right but it still falls apart. Similar to real life. The scene where they're in the restaurant (that seems like a TGI Friday's) and Liz and Floyd finally come to terms with their relationship is funny but relatable.
4.) Episode 210, Season 2, ep. 10
Elise Synopsis: Liz studied German in college so Jack, caught up in a romantic relationship with (gasp!) a democratic representative, goes to Vermont with Cici and puts Liz in charge of deciding which German TV shows to buy. Liz, trying to buy an apartment, delegates this task to Kenneth, who just learned he loves cappuccinos and is strung out on caffeine. Liz accidentally sells NBC to the Germans instead of buying the German TV station. Oops! Also, Gladys Knight makes an appearance.
Favorite moments: Liz is looking at a fancy apartment online and their line is "Wyndmere, if you lived here, you'd be home now!" Haha, thought of that this summer when I toured Lindencourt apartments, it seemed magical like Wyndmere. However, I love my current residence more than Lindencourt and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg! Liz makes a total fool of herself in front of the co-op board. Also, where Liz is drinking wine and calling the co-op board all night and they show her progressions of sad drunkenness. "You know what? I've moved on, I've bought a whole bunch of apartments. I even bought a black apartment."- Liz Lemon while drinking wine and jogging on the treadmill at 7 am. I feel you girl. Then at the end of the episode Jack asks Liz if she want to get drunk and she looks around his office and replies, "I would, but there's too many phones in here." Well played Liz Lemon. Well played.
3.) Queen of Jordan, Season 5, ep. 17
Elise's Synopsis: Through a crazy series of events, Tracy's wife, Angie gets a show and basically the whole episode is shot in reality TV style (specifically Real Housewives) and follows Angie and her crazy friends, including but not limited to D'Fwan (her sassy gay friend), Randi who has as strip aerobics studio, and Portia who's catch phrase is "Portia reads the papers!" and she's not thrilled with it. During this time Tracy is in Africa and Liz is begging Angie to help bring him back to save the show. Hilarity ensues.
Reasons it is wonderful: It's making fun of reality tv. It's excellent. Jenna tries to take up more screen time and throws drinks in everyone's face. D'Fwan has a wine called D'Fwine. Come on. What is not to love? Although I want to say D'Fwine came later? It did. I just checked. Oops. I'm claiming it as part of this. Please D'fwink responsibly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2MuXDjFTy4
2.) Black Tie, Season 1, ep. 12
Elise's Synopsis: Jack invites Liz to a birthday party for Gerhardt Hapsburg, the prince of Austria. The whole episode you're like is this a date? Is Jack into Liz? Jenna also sneaks into the party to try to "Grace Kelly" herself. While at the party Liz meets Jack's ex wife Bianca (played by Isabella Rossellini) and Jack uses Liz to make Bianca jealous. Side story, Tracy tries to get Pete to cheat on his wife. Kenneth tries to remind Pete that he is married. They have this like devil vs. angel on your shoulder thing going on.
Why this episode is special: Tina Fey looks hot at this party and fights Isabella Rossellini. This episode also defines the Liz-Jack relationship. I'd also say this is the episode where the characters really click. Also in her book, Bossypants, Tina cites this as the episode that was make or break for the show and thankfully they made it! Yay!
1.) Sandwich Day, Season 2, ep. 14
Elise's Synopsis: Liz Lemon gets a call from ex boyfriend Floyd (Jason Sudeikis) that he will be coming to NYC and was wondering if he could "crash" with Liz. Floyd was Liz's boyfriend earlier in the season (and he was one of my all time favorite Liz boyfriends) but he left his job as a lawyer in 30 rock to move home to Cleveland. Then they broke up. So sad. So Liz accepts and then has a mini freak out about the meaning of 'crash'. Ok so then the side story is about sandwich day which is a magical day where the Teamsters bring subs for everyone from this amazing sandwich shop which is a teamster's secret. Liz is too busy preparing for Floyd and her sub gets left on her desk and the writers (after demolishing) their own sandwiches take Liz's sandwich. Oops. So this is the story of Liz trying to make Floyd miss leaving NYC and Jenna, Tracy, Kenneth, and the writers trying to win Liz a new sandwich.
Favorite moments: Well, I love that Floyd is in this episode. When Floyd meets Liz to pick up keys to her apartment and they make plans to get dinner. When Liz runs to the airport to track down Floyd and has to choose between her sandwich (the dipping sauce is more than 3 oz) and tracking down Floyd so she inhales the sandwich (with dipping sauce) while the TSA agent (a sassy black lady) tells Liz "You've got crazy eyes. I ought to detain you..." Also this episode has a good message when Jack reminds Liz "Life is about minimizing regrets" Agreed Jack. I agree.
Ok so that's my top five, however I do have a few other memorable moments that didn't make the top five episodes those are (in no particular order):
- Where Liz buys a wedding dress (just in case!) Season 2, episode 1.
- Where Liz and Criss get it on in an office supply store Season 7, episode 2.
- Liz and Jack venture to Stone Mountain, Georgia Season 4, episode 3.
- Where Liz scares the gay, hipster, cop out of his apartment Season 4, episode 6.
- The whole time Liz dates Jon Hamm. Beginning Season 3, episode 11.
- Whenever Liz sings Night Cheese.
- When Liz has Fred Armison taken away by the Department of Homeland Security. Season 2, episode 6.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Professor Allen and her love of lists
Hi. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-5 in the band room of the University of Jamestown I am Professor Allen. Which is weird. But I like it. But it's weird. We're having a good time. I have 7 students and one auditing so 8 total. Due to the quality of some of the instruments we have 3 on clarinet, 2 on flute, 1 on alto sax, 1 on oboe, and 1 on bassoon. Yep, that equals 8. Anyways, so I'm using Andrew's syllabus from when he's taught it a few times. It is very helpful. We have woodwind time together once a week to make sure I teach correct information in a logical way.
So I've noticed that lists are very popular on the internet so I'm gonna make some lists that you may enjoy.
My list of grievances with the movie theater:
1) It's in a mall (is it 1998? Why the mall? Why do we go to the mall all the time?)
2) Movies come after they've been released elsewhere and leave earlier. We've missed Anchorman II and American Hustle. Very disappointed.
3) They serve Pepsi products. All I want with my movie popcorn is diet coke.
4) Lindsay Millirons doesn't work there so....
Best responses to my name change from the kids at school:
1) You look different. (Thank you, I had pulled my bangs back that day)
2) When did you get married? You didn't tell us you were getting married! (You're in the third grade. No excuses from you on that one... I promise I did tell you)
3) Oh, you had your baby?! (EXCUSE ME? Hahahaha, this was hilarious)
Elise Allen's favorite TV shows of all time:
1) 30 Rock, Tina Fey is my spirit animal. There is another list coming in a separate post devoted entirely to 30 rock with my top 5 favorite episodes. But let's be real, Tina Fey does it all and does it amazingly and if you don't watch this but have a netflix account you should be ashamed of yourself.
2) Friends. Enough said. A classic. I love it.
3) New Girl. This is hilarious and totes worth your time. Seasons 1 and 2 are on Netflix.
4) The Mindy Project. Love it. Again, like Tina Fey, Mindy Kahling does everything and it's wonderful. She's so relatable and I love seeing a woman who's not afraid to say she's a size 8 and rock it on television. However, I'm so glad she grew her hair back out. Was not liking the super short pixie cut.
5) How I Met Your Mother. Ok so, side note on this one, I really enjoy this one more on Netflix in a binge watch sort of situation because in any given week, not a lot happens however in a season a fair amount goes down and they go by quickly so I like to have it on while I'm doing dishes alone or like cleaning the bathroom or whatever. You know, background noise. I do watch each week though.
6) Parks and Rec. Along the same lines of the Mindy Project and 30 Rock where Amy Pohler is just like being amazing and making strong women everywhere proud. Also it's hilarious.
7) Kathy Lee and Hoda. Yep I count this. I love watching those ladies booze it up way too early in the morning and make fools of themselves on national tv. Also I love me some ambush makeovers with Louis LaCari La la la la la la. You know what I'm talkin about. However the Joy fit club doesn't inspire me, it just makes me feel ashamed. Anyways. I would love to go to NYC and drink wine at 10 am with them and gossip about celebs and just talk about my life as if the world cares. I love them. I've read their books and I love them. KLG is too much and Hoda, you scare me when you're on dateline. I don't like dateline Hoda just Today show Hoda.
Now, I do watch other shows but these are my favorite. Other shows I watch: Grey's Anatomy (anyone know when it's coming back this season?), Parenthood (amazing, makes me think about crying), Modern Family (also excellent)... Yeah I think that's it...
So I've noticed that lists are very popular on the internet so I'm gonna make some lists that you may enjoy.
My list of grievances with the movie theater:
1) It's in a mall (is it 1998? Why the mall? Why do we go to the mall all the time?)
2) Movies come after they've been released elsewhere and leave earlier. We've missed Anchorman II and American Hustle. Very disappointed.
3) They serve Pepsi products. All I want with my movie popcorn is diet coke.
4) Lindsay Millirons doesn't work there so....
Best responses to my name change from the kids at school:
1) You look different. (Thank you, I had pulled my bangs back that day)
2) When did you get married? You didn't tell us you were getting married! (You're in the third grade. No excuses from you on that one... I promise I did tell you)
3) Oh, you had your baby?! (EXCUSE ME? Hahahaha, this was hilarious)
Elise Allen's favorite TV shows of all time:
1) 30 Rock, Tina Fey is my spirit animal. There is another list coming in a separate post devoted entirely to 30 rock with my top 5 favorite episodes. But let's be real, Tina Fey does it all and does it amazingly and if you don't watch this but have a netflix account you should be ashamed of yourself.
2) Friends. Enough said. A classic. I love it.
3) New Girl. This is hilarious and totes worth your time. Seasons 1 and 2 are on Netflix.
4) The Mindy Project. Love it. Again, like Tina Fey, Mindy Kahling does everything and it's wonderful. She's so relatable and I love seeing a woman who's not afraid to say she's a size 8 and rock it on television. However, I'm so glad she grew her hair back out. Was not liking the super short pixie cut.
5) How I Met Your Mother. Ok so, side note on this one, I really enjoy this one more on Netflix in a binge watch sort of situation because in any given week, not a lot happens however in a season a fair amount goes down and they go by quickly so I like to have it on while I'm doing dishes alone or like cleaning the bathroom or whatever. You know, background noise. I do watch each week though.
6) Parks and Rec. Along the same lines of the Mindy Project and 30 Rock where Amy Pohler is just like being amazing and making strong women everywhere proud. Also it's hilarious.
7) Kathy Lee and Hoda. Yep I count this. I love watching those ladies booze it up way too early in the morning and make fools of themselves on national tv. Also I love me some ambush makeovers with Louis LaCari La la la la la la. You know what I'm talkin about. However the Joy fit club doesn't inspire me, it just makes me feel ashamed. Anyways. I would love to go to NYC and drink wine at 10 am with them and gossip about celebs and just talk about my life as if the world cares. I love them. I've read their books and I love them. KLG is too much and Hoda, you scare me when you're on dateline. I don't like dateline Hoda just Today show Hoda.
Now, I do watch other shows but these are my favorite. Other shows I watch: Grey's Anatomy (anyone know when it's coming back this season?), Parenthood (amazing, makes me think about crying), Modern Family (also excellent)... Yeah I think that's it...
Friday, January 3, 2014
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
So, I have some pics from the wedding... I know if you're reading this it's probably because we're facebook friends but you never know, maybe one day I'll be a famous blogger and people will be like, I wonder what Elise looked like on her wedding day? Well they can come back far enough in my blog and see. Just sayin. Oh and all of these are just like ones that friends and family took, we're still waiting on the ones from the photographer which I'm super excited about!!!
So, I have some pics from the wedding... I know if you're reading this it's probably because we're facebook friends but you never know, maybe one day I'll be a famous blogger and people will be like, I wonder what Elise looked like on her wedding day? Well they can come back far enough in my blog and see. Just sayin. Oh and all of these are just like ones that friends and family took, we're still waiting on the ones from the photographer which I'm super excited about!!!
Here is me and Andrew with Colleen, my maid of honor, and Kelliston the best man.
These are the Amanda's. We all played piccolo together in high school and have stayed in touch even though we all live so far away now!
These are the SAI ladies who came! I don't know why I'm making a face, I promise I was happy. Also, the other bridesmaids in this pic from left to right are Bronwyn, Alex, and Katy!
Here we are with Michelle! Michelle was in SAI with me and we lived across the hall from each other freshman year at USC!
Here we are with Katy and her boyfriend Jordan.
Here we are with Katie and Diego who are also newlyweds!
Here we are with my middle school band director, Dr. Jackson!
This is me with my most recent little, Aubrey! Love you girl!
Here I am with Aileen, sister to Colleen the MoH!
The excellent saxophone cake!
Here we are cutting the cake, I love our cake, it was gorgeous!
Here we are at the bachelorette party at Sips and Strokes! From left to right we have Colleen, Alex, Amanda Perme, me, Bronwyn, and Katy!
It was so great to get to see all my bridesmaids before the wedding for a little bit! I hadn't seen Colleen since this summer, I hadn't seen Alex since graduation and she had gotten engaged since then(!!!), Bronwyn I think it was since July, and same with Katy it was late June or early July :( but I'm so glad we were able to get caught up!
In general, it was just nice to get to see people since we have been living here for a while you know...
Anyways, so the wedding went really well! I was very pleased and want to say a huge thank you to my parents for all they did to make it lovely and as well to anyone and everyone who traveled to be there! It really was touching to see people come out and support our marriage! We hope you had fun!
After the wedding Andrew and I spent one night downtown in ATL which was awesome! Then Sunday we went to church at the Episcopal Cathedral of Atlanta and it was GORGEOUS! We wanted to take communion because we did it during our wedding but the church was out of communion wafers so we used some wheat thins and the cup had water in it, so we just wanted to you know make it a little more official. Plus, you know it's good to start off your marriage by going to church. After church we went to lunch at Goldberg's Deli which was also fabulous. Bagels. I've missed them. Then we headed for Savannah!
We stayed at this really nice B&B called the Eliza Thompson House. It was very nice! We really enjoyed our stay. We just sort of relaxed and ate some lovely meals, did two different ghost tours, one trolly tour, toured the Mercer-Williams house, and toured Flannery O'Connor's childhood home! Also we window shopped and wandered around. All in all it was lovely!
Well, now we're back and getting settled in, it was nice to have lots of boxes to open when we got home! The weather is super yucky here so we're gonna just stay inside until church on Sunday... the wind sounds like it may blow the house down, but it's super cozy inside so we'll be ok! Hope you enjoyed the pics!
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